Representatives of the Nebraska Main Street Network will be in Chadron this morning to talk about its programs and how it can help the downtown business districts of the communities of Northwest Nebraska.
Everyone is encouraged to attend, but especially local leaders and downtown business representatives. The meeting begins at 9:30 at the Bean Broker.
Main Street Executive Director Elizabeth Chase says all communities of any size and location in Nebraska can take advantage of its programs, thanks to advances in technology.
Chase also says it’s much simpler and cheaper for cities and towns to take part than it was when her agency began in 1994 as the Lied Main Street program.
As a result, it can deliver beneficial programming and assistance that is in high demand to bring solutions to local communities that will serve them for the long-term by improving their commercial business districts
Chase says the Network also brings participating towns together to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences to make their business districts both attractive to residents and business-friendly for commercial investment and economic growth.
Chadron was a very attractive community for business for years. Many hardware stores, railroad, clothing stores, 2 bakeries, telecommunications station etc. The streets were much nicer and families had more bonding time. Schools didn’t need cameras and kids expressed themselves in daily fun activities as most kids desire to do.
Hey Jay,
We have at least 6 hardware stores, more than 4 bakeries, many clothing stores, a vast telecommunications network, with many options to choose from, kids have many opportunities: intramural sports, 4H, swim teams, community events…
I think you long for the days when you could use the n-word indiscriminately don’t ya?
So true! I miss the good old days. I hope this new project works out.
My comment was for Jay. I have lived in Chadron off and on since 1947. I really hate to see it go down hill.
Change never comes easy. But, it always comes. And change is for better or for worse. I hope it is for the better.
I would really like to see a promotion of the historic district. I think with the right plan this could be a major draw. As it is right now, none of the buildings, other than one hotel, aren’t even signed. (Chadron to Chicago horse race). Add to that quite a few empty buildings.
Friendly reminder that not every elderly person with nostalgia is an “angry white racist”.
I think that was uncalled for. I read Jay’s comment and never considered race as part of subject. I think you’re one who has issue with race and that’s unfortunate.
“Chadron. At least we ain’t Crawford.”
I wish I had known about this meeting so could have planned on attending.
It wasn’t very well publicized. I saw it just a short time before the meeting started. I would like to see a follow-up or something to get community input.
Bringing Harvest Fest back downtown would be a great way for people to see businesses downtown. It’s one day if it inconveniences someone, it will be okay.
Alan where are all these hardware stores and bakeries? Community activities, not much. Intramurals have you been active with this, have you seen how other places run theirs? People that haven’t had kids in sports in years or ever seek input decide how they operate. Soccer field has holes all over, small baseball field have you seen it lately? Parents pay a lot of money and nothing is provided by the league besides a hat and t-shirt. Softball needs another field. Focus on development is all but gone in some sports. Teams rarely practice in soccer or softball. Basketball parents are quick to have opinions but don’t realize there are teams of 10 all at different talent levels. Installing a play should not be the focus, skills should be. Structure needs revamped.
My grandparents home of over fifty years in Chadron had an open door policy (door not being locked) as long as you shut the screen door and on hot days the outer door. People from all over Chadron would visit with my grandparents often times unannounced. When I was a kid, most of the Aunt’s and Uncle’s, cousins homes were empty because they were either at the horse-shoe pit throwing, playing at the school, attending a garage sale, visiting with people around town or just out somewhere.
Though my family was not perfect as some had extended kindness more than others, their presence was known throughout much of this city. My grandmother naturally reached out to people who were lonely, hungry (I left food for neighbors on their door step area “without knocking” she would say because they were embarrassed they didn’t know how to cook), threatening to end their life, visited at community and elder centers, gardening, church, made preserves from local tree picking, and for lengthy periods of time she would talk with others at what was the local family owned Grocery Kart that is now Walmart. She also coached women’s softball and wanted us girls to be in-shape. I think to this day Jean could still do more in a day for others than what many won’t do in a week.
Chadron is not the same as it was. You could walk just about every block without someone’s household belongings covering the side-walk, jog, walk or bicycle alone as an athlete without getting chased by approximately fourteen dogs now since 2021. Harvest Fest fliers were made with flowers, pumpkins, not dirty witches flying at the top. Modesty was important to women and the men were regarded with respect and listened to. I’d expect the city council to drive or walk the streets of Chadron to see the condition it is in and take appropriate action. Wilson Park used to have beautiful flowers near the entrance sign.
I’ll never forget when many years ago cell phones were becoming affordable. I saw a woman sitting on her front porch in Chadron with a cell phone in her hands. I thought to myself, “Here? Really in this small city too?”